Journal Question #12

Politics.  At the moment, there is a lot of attention given to American politics because a presidential campaign is underway: six Republicans and two Democrats are trying to persuade the American people that they are the best choice for next president of the USA.  Internationally, conflicts in places like Syria as well as the refugee crisis in Europe receive a lot of press.  Do you pay any attention to politics, either in your own country or internationally?  In other words, is politics important to you?  Why or why not? 

Journal Question #11

Valentine's Day (February 14) is an occasion to celebrate people you love, not only boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, and husbands, but also friends and family members and other acquaintances.  So, take this opportunity to "send a valentine" to a person or people for whom you are grateful.  I'll start: I'm grateful to all the students in my teaching life, past and present - they are amazing, challenging, funny, infuriating, intelligent, difficult, frustrating, inspirational, complicated - in short, they are human, and they make my life interesting!